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Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes: Setting up a session

Who sits where, where the Experts get the manual, and what changes on VR, console and remote play.

  • 3 parts · 12 steps

Compiled from 1 playthrough video and 7 guides · checked Oct 19, 2026

0 of 3 done
Video: Screen Lookers on YouTube. Loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play.

What each player can do here

P1 · Defuser
  • The only seat that sees the bomb. Turns it, reads out what is on each module and does the cutting, pressing and holding.
P2 · Expert
  • Holds the Bomb Defusal Manual and never sees the bomb; works out from the manual what the Defuser has to do and tells them.

If your skill levels differ: The Defuser describes and acts against the clock; the Experts search the manual and decide.Our suggestionWhen one player already knows the manual: seat them as Expert for the first bombs so the newcomer only has to say what is on screen, then swap. How to split the roles

Pick the seats

Part 1 of 3. One Defuser at the bomb, everyone else on the manual.

  1. DefuserChoose one Defuser. Only one person plays that seat at a time, and only that person looks at the bomb.
  2. ExpertEveryone else is an Expert, and more than one Expert is allowed. They share the manual and give the instructions.single source
  3. BothThe Experts must not see the bomb. Whether you play in one room or remotely over voice chat, the screen belongs to the Defuser.

Get the manual

Part 2 of 3. Each Expert needs the Bomb Defusal Manual, on paper or on a screen.

  1. ExpertThe Experts read the Bomb Defusal Manual from bombmanual.com, on a screen or printed out.single source
  2. ExpertExperts do not need their own copy of the game; one copy is enough for local play.single source
  3. ExpertHave the manual ready before the first bomb: paper or a screen both work.single source
  4. DefuserOn PC and PC VR the game asks for the verification code printed on the manual's title page the first time it starts, and asks again when a newer manual version is needed.single source

Platform notes

Part 3 of 3. What differs between PC, console, VR and remote play.

  1. BothPlatforms listed by the developer: Windows, macOS and Linux; Android and iOS; Meta Quest, SteamVR, Oculus Rift and PS VR on PS4; Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One.single source
  2. BothPS VR: the Defuser wears the headset and the Experts can read the manual on the TV instead of printing it.single source
  3. BothThe PS4 store page lists local multiplayer only, for 2 to 4 players.single source
  4. BothRemote play works over any voice service. Only the Defuser needs the game installed; to take turns as Defuser, each person needs their own copy.single source
  5. BothOn Steam, Humble, Android and iOS, two owners who take turns can open every mission at once: Options, Accessibility, Unlock All Missions.single source
Sources (8)

Steps compiled from 1 playthrough video and 7 text guides, checked Oct 19, 2026, and written in our own words. We did not play the game for this guide. A step marked “single source” rests on one guide so far.